4 Items Made in North Carolina That are Great for Gifts

Stuck on what to get your friend for his birthday? Need to redeem yourself for the mediocre gift you gave your sister last year? You can’t go wrong with these four items, which were all produced right here in North Carolina.

Snack Wagon Fried Pickles

You know what goes well with some North Carolina barbecue? Fried pickles. These delectable sides can be difficult to get right, though. You want to balance the seasoning with the crisp pickle and the crunch of the fry. Fortunately, catering and concession company Snack Wagon Concessions has made the process easier for everyone by providing the tools to make fried pickles right in your kitchen.

The Snack Wagon Concessions Fried Pickle Mix is the ideal blend of seasoning and flour for producing the best fried pickles. You can order the fried pickle mix from Snack Wagon Concessions or find it in many North Carolina retailers.

Blue Ridge Specialty Foods

Since 1961, Blue Ridge Specialty Foods, just east of Asheville, has produced some of the best food to come out of North Carolina. Blue Ridge is most well-known for its delectable jams and preserves. What makes this jam so different from what you could buy at a big-box grocery store? Blue Ridge makes their products the old-fashioned way. Every jar of jam or preserves is poured and stirred by hand using freshly grown fruit.

While you can certainly find your standard jam flavors, like strawberry and raspberry, Blue Ridge also offers special flavors like Black ‘n Blue, which is a mixture of blackberries and blueberries, and Smoky Mountain Special Preserves, which combines raspberries, strawberries, and cherries for a mouthful of sweet pleasure. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out the Habañero Black Raspberry Jelly or the Jalapeño Cherry Preserves. In addition to Blue Ridge’s jams and preserves, you also may enjoy their relishes, salsas, and more. Check out their website to order your next favorite food.

Green Mountain Gringo Salsa

Looking for something to spice up your next meal? Then you need to try Green Mountain Gringo Salsa, produced by local business TW Garner Food Co. These salsas feature all-natural ingredients and a variety of flavors. Of course, you can purchase the standard mild, medium, and hot varieties of salsa, but you can also find Roasted Chili, Roasted Garlic, and other unique flavors you won’t find in most salsas. Don’t forget to try some of TW Garner’s tortilla chips with your salsa. You can purchase Green Mountain Gringo Salsa online.

Coastal Carolina Pottery

Maybe you want a taste of North Carolina displayed for all to see. Coastal Carolina Pottery, the brainchild of North Carolina local Christine O’Connell, sells a variety of pottery inspired by North Carolina’s beauty. O’Connell uses the ocean and landscape near her coastal home of Cedar Point to shape her work. You can find Coastal Carolina Pottery at local shows and galleries as well as online.

There’s nothing like buying local. You get the homemade flavor while also supporting small local businesses. It’s a win-win! Share the local love by giving these items as gifts and you and your loved ones can enjoy the best of North Carolina together.

Image via pixabay.com

*Based on 2016 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml